For the last decade, Bryan Puckett has had his fingers on the pulse of the regional punk and indie scene, branching out over the years to include hip-hop and electronic acts into the fold as well. He has been instrumental in helping bands get to the next level, with members of the Little Heart roster performing at Warp Records, or getting picked up by major labels. People pay attention, because its clear from the attention that he puts into running his label that Puckett cares about his craft.
I cant imagine doing anything else and when I started this I was confident wed take it pretty far. Im sometimes surprised by who is with us, Puckett says. Im surprised by some of the faces who have come and gone in ten years but Ive always been sure this was going to last.
Little Heart has evolved with the times. Puckett believes, I think most people are surprised how weve changed sonically. Im really hoping this year is the year people quit calling us a pop punk label. Weve done a lot of heavier releases and more hip-hop. When our biggest band is Knocked Loose it should tell people were more than just pop punk.
So whats in store for the next decade? For Puckett, Hopefully Im still alive and were kicking along. I dont know that I necessarily want to be much bigger. I like the current workload. Obviously, there will be a new generation or six of bands by then. Itd be nice to have a sandwich named after us. Maybe a pizza. By then well probably have a resurgence of 8-tracks and Hit Clips and people will be over vinyl.
The Little Heart Ten Year Anniversary event will take place at New Albany Production House on Saturday, Nov. 7 at 4:30 p.m.
This article appears in November 4, 2015.